Long-term results with a multiple synchronized-pulse 1064 nm Nd : YAG laser for the treatment of leg venulectasias and reticular veins

BACKGROUND. The long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser has been shown to be eff ective in the treatment of blue venulectasias and reticular veins. OBJECTIVE. The present study examined the clinical efficacy and long-term f ollow-up (12 months) of patients treated with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser tech nology. METHODS. Twenty-five female patients (mean age 37.6 years, Fitzpatrick skin types II-V) were treated with up to three treatment sessions at G-week int ervals on a 5 cm(2) surface area of vessels utilizing the 1064 nm Nd:YAG la ser with a circulating cooling device. Treatment parameters were vessel siz e 0.2-2.0 mm treated with a double pulse of 7 msec at 120 J/cm(2) and vesse l size 2.0-4.0 mm treated with a single pulse of 14 msec, fluence 130 J/cm( 2), with a spot size of 6 mm. Improvement was judged by double-blinded obse rver evaluation, macrophotographic imaging, optical chromatography, and a p atient evaluation scale. RESULTS. Sixty-four percent of patients treated in the present study achiev ed 75% or greater clearing of vessels after a maximum of three treatment se ssions. Optical chromatography revealed statistically significant decreased chromophore intensity (mean blueness reduction index of 41.2b-). Sixty-fou r percent of patients were greatly satisfied with the results of the laser treatment. Two patients manifested vessel recurrence when examined at 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser can produce effective long-term photos clerosis of blue venulectasia and reticular veins. The potential for recurr ence should be recognized by the vascular laser surgeon.